Thanks for answering to both of you.
Yes, NP5, the question as you’ve formulated it is definitely one of the main reasons I’ve asked. Maybe one of the most important right now as I struggle with vert handling the most. But it definitely isn’t enough to justify investing into expensive PRO app, not at my current skill level.
And Mr. Rabbit Pete mentions another important aspect – better pallet of Z-brushes. Not anything essential right now but later, this may be what will decide.
To explain myself more clearly: for me, the genius of Blender lays in its versatility. It alone can handle more or less everything what other apps (mostly?) do better but are expensive and each narrowly specialized. Blender gives us full bundle but nothing of it is truly exceptional. What is “more” and what “less” depends mainly on personal preferences, but there are things that can be objectively valued, if you are familiar with specialised alternatives. And this is basically what I want to know:
If Blender offers more or less everything in one app, is sculpting in the “less” group – with significant differences and disadvantages compared to Zbrush – or rather in the “more” group - almost identical in the workflow and functionality, but with Zbrush having better advanced features and functions?
From your answers I conclude that “more” is right. No one mentioned differences in workflow, so I guess Zbrush it’s not significantly easier, smoother or more intuitive. It just offers broader spectrum of tools and few hacks that make sculpting less pain in… darkest dungeon.
Also, I would like to clarify one thing, if I may.
I have a feeling that I might accidentally give you the impression that I am complete beginner who needs to have everything explained simply and to the last detail.
Don’t worry, I am “blending” for a while, definitely I am not sufficiently good but I know the drill and I’ve already realised what I like, don’t like or what I detest in Blender. I’ve just deliberately avoided sculpting. But now, I can’t ignore its existence anymore.
Using your example: even though I don’t mind node system for materials since it’s logical and pretty straightforward, Substance Designer and Substance Painter were both loves at the first touch. First one is just plain fun and the second is so intuitive and easy to use that I instantly knew I need it as soon as possible.
I am too old, too tired and too much under time pressure to deal with features I don’t find intuitive, are too clumsy or just too difficult to handle if I know better alternative that is affordable. Sometimes I feel bad and blame myself for spending money unnecessarily. Then I realize that time is also money and these apps, with easy learning curve, are saving it. Or what is currently even more important, they help me to avoid frustration and desperation that I am learning too slowly, stagnate, spin in circles…
Maybe you know what I mean, or you’ve experienced it yourself?
So…
I know that sometimes in future, I would need to make some cloth outfits. Instead of Blender torture, I am prepared to pay two or three months of Marvelous Designer and then sit in front of PC like obsessed, watch tutorials, experiment and practice, and not leave until I finish something… at least acceptable. And maybe sometimes in far future, I will invest even to Zbrush but thanks to you, guys, I know Blender is the path I have to take and stay on it.
And now I have to find out how to create my own decals in the easiest and most efficient way possible…
